What if the Street is closed?

The closer was eligible to come off the disabled list Sunday. A week ago, the team all but promised he’d be activated when eligible. It didn’t happen. His groin is still bothering him, and he’ll miss the Texas series.

Next weekend’s series in Tampa is a possibility. But it’s by no means a certainty.

This is scary stuff for the A’s, who would like to erase their habit of getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, though Street wasn’t part of those teams that got bounced early four straight years through 2003. He’d like to be part of this one, and the A’s can’t imagine playing ball in October without him.

But what if they had no other choice? What would be their choice?

Justin Duchscherer? Here’s a better idea: Rich Harden.

This may be a long shot, and Street may be 100 percent within a week. But the A’s must be ready for a backup plan if Street’s physical woes are an issue. Street is hesitant to rush his return, knowing he could pull the muscle again and end his season.

Meantime, Harden’s comeback bid from an elbow ailment seems realistic. He threw off a mound Sunday and will do it again Wednesday.

If he does come back, it’ll be in relief, a role in which he flourished last September. His final three appearances were out of the bullpen, and he threw five scoreless innings, retiring 15 of 19 batters.

He’s got closer’s stuff and a closer’s mentality. The A’s hope they won’t have to make the call.